Does Vinyl Liner Thickness Matter?

In short, yes. The thicker the vinyl liner, the longer it can typically be expected to last.

Vinyl liners come in a variety of thicknesses, usually  20, 27, 28, or 30 mils thick. So what’s a mil? It’s not a millimeter as you might expect. It’s actually 1/1000 of an inch. It takes about 40 mils to equal an inch. In contrast, it takes around 25 mm to equal an inch.

Ultimately, the decision on the thickness of vinyl liner to buy is a matter of preference, but it will stay with you for up to 10 years (and as little as 5) so it’s good to consider all the factors.

A thicker inground pool vinyl liner will be able to withstand more impact and is more resistant to punctures. Potential punctures can come from a wide variety of sources, including animal claws, broken glass, or basically anything with a point, including long fingernails and toenails.

The only real downside to thicker vinyl liners (assuming they’re installed correctly) is the initial cost. They are more expensive, but then that begs the next question.

Do Thicker Vinyl Liners Last Longer?

As mentioned, the answer is that thicker vinyl liners are expected to last longer. Of course, that’s dependent upon several factors, and again, depends on the ability of the installer. So the thickness of the liner does matter, but so does choosing a capable and experienced pool company.

Vinyl liners last 5-9 years, with a general rule being the thicker the liner, the closer it will be to 9 years. But beyond that, a thicker vinyl liner is a good investment in avoiding potential problems. They can withstand more damage without leaking and will require fewer patches and repairs.

How Much Extra Does a Thicker Vinyl Liner Cost?

Making the investment in a thicker vinyl liner can cost several hundred dollars. Each level you move up in thickness adds more expense. This is due to the amount of material needed. But that extra material also means more durability.

Is a Thicker Vinyl Liner Worth It?

Of course, you’d assume a pool company that installs vinyl liners will say paying more for the thicker liner is worth it. But, throughout years of experience, we’ve come to see the value in making the extra investment. If customers consistently regretted buying a thicker liner – for the good of our business – we wouldn’t keep recommending it. Any thickness, however, will get the job done. It just depends on how long you want to wait before repairing or replacing it.

ALL of this depends on having the vinyl liner installed correctly. So, if you’re thinking about vinyl liner replacement and want to learn more, then get in touch with us. We are the most experienced vinyl liner pool company in the area and you can have full confidence that no matter what thickness you choose, it will be installed right.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island is the leading full-service pool and spa company in Rhode Island. Their business had its beginnings in 1987 when co-owner Ron Leclerc began selling pool supplies out of the back of his Camaro. In 2001, Ron and his wife Debbie opened their 7,000 square foot facility in Coventry. This extensive and beautiful showroom is the result of years of hard work and represents a long-standing tradition of excellence and commitment to giving Rhode Islanders the best pool and spa service, advice, and products.  

From installing vinyl liner inground swimming pools to selling gorgeous Dimension One hot tubs to offering free water-testing and professional service in their store, The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island is your place for everything pool and spa. They are a proud BioGuard Platinum Dealer and also offer a huge selection of other brands of swimming pool and hot tub supplies, including Loop-Loc Pool Safety Covers, above ground pools, and Hayward equipment. But, more than anything, The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island strives to give their customers a wonderful experience from beginning to end.
Visit The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island at 2200 Nooseneck Hill Road in Coventry or at splashtime.com or give them a call at (401) 392-1300. They serve all of Rhode Island, including Coventry, West Greenwich, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Exeter, Richmond, and Hopkinton.